U.S. patent number 7,989,724 [Application Number 12/290,804] was granted by the patent office on 2011-08-02 for switch, particularly window lifter switch.
This patent grant is currently assigned to TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH. Invention is credited to Markus Altmann, Juergen Schmider, Peter Schulte.
United States Patent |
7,989,724 |
Altmann , et al. |
August 2, 2011 |
Switch, particularly window lifter switch
Abstract
In a switch, particularly a window lifter switch, with a
housing, a switching rocker which is mounted in the housing and is
associated with electrical contacts, and with a button which is
likewise mounted in the housing, the button is acted upon
elastically so that it is mounted free from play in the
housing.
Inventors: |
Altmann; Markus
(Moos-Bankholzen, DE), Schmider; Juergen (Wolfach,
DE), Schulte; Peter (Radolfzell-Boehringen,
DE) |
Assignee: |
TRW Automotive Electronics &
Components GmbH (Radolfzell, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
40328575 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/290,804 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20090114517 A1 |
May 7, 2009 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 5, 2007 [DE] |
|
|
10 2007 052 655 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
200/529;
200/339 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H
21/22 (20130101); H01H 2300/01 (20130101); H01H
2021/225 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01H
3/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;200/529 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4326226 |
|
Feb 1994 |
|
DE |
|
19627294 |
|
Jan 1998 |
|
DE |
|
19837895 |
|
Feb 2000 |
|
DE |
|
19946020 |
|
Mar 2001 |
|
DE |
|
10110648 |
|
Sep 2002 |
|
DE |
|
102005024221 |
|
Dec 2006 |
|
DE |
|
0797302 |
|
Sep 1997 |
|
EP |
|
1239497 |
|
Sep 2002 |
|
EP |
|
2204873 |
|
Sep 2002 |
|
ES |
|
2882188 |
|
Feb 2005 |
|
FR |
|
5-77835 |
|
Oct 1993 |
|
JP |
|
8083535 |
|
Mar 1996 |
|
JP |
|
10125179 |
|
May 1998 |
|
JP |
|
2005032678 |
|
Mar 2005 |
|
JP |
|
1997-0000114 |
|
Jan 1993 |
|
KR |
|
2006125558 |
|
Nov 2006 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Leon; Edwin A.
Assistant Examiner: Caroc; Lheiren Mae
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell &
Tummino LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A switch comprising: a housing (10), a switching rocker (20)
which is mounted in the housing (10) and is associated with
electrical contacts (14), and a button (30) which is mounted in the
housing (10) by a two-point bearing (36, 40), a first bearing point
(36 or 40) and a second bearing point (36 or 40) of the two-point
bearing (36, 40) have pivot axes that are spaced from one another,
the button (30) being acted upon elastically so that the button
(30) is mounted free from play in the housing (10).
2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein a switching mat (12) is
provided which is provided with the electrical contacts (14) and
with which the switching rocker (20) cooperates, the switching mat
(12) acting upon the switching rocker (20) elastically against the
button (30).
3. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching rocker
(20) is mounted in the housing (10) so that the switching rocker
(20) is displaceable relative to the housing (10) towards the
button (30) when the switching rocker (20) and the button (30) are
mounted in the housing (10).
4. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching rocker
(20) has an oblong hole (22) into which a bearing pin (24) engages,
the bearing pin (24) being mounted on the housing (10).
5. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the two-point bearing
has two support points (P) between button (30) and housing (10)
which are arranged on the one and the other side of a middle line
(M) which runs through the middle of the two-point bearing and the
connection between the button (30) and the switching rocker
(20).
6. The switch according to claim 1, wherein an abutment (26, 32,
34) which is free of play is formed between the switching rocker
(20) and the button (30).
7. The switch according to claim 6, wherein the switching rocker
(20) is provided with an abutment pin (26) and the button (30) is
provided with an abutment fork (32).
8. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the two-point bearing
has first and second bearing points, the button (30) being
pivotable relative to the housing (10) about the first bearing
point of the two-point bearing (36 or 40) relative to the second
bearing point (36 or 40), the button (30) being pivotable relative
to the housing (10) about the second bearing point of the two-point
bearing (36 or 40) relative to the first bearing point (36 or
40).
9. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the two-point bearing
(36, 40) includes two bearing edges extending generally parallel to
each other.
10. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the two-point bearing
is formed between a single journal pin (36) integral with the
housing (10) and a bearing surface (40) on the button (30).
11. The switch according to claim 10, wherein the button (30) is
pivotable relative to the journal pin (36).
12. A switch comprising: a housing (10), a switching rocker (20)
which is mounted in the housing (10) and is associated with
electrical contacts (14), and a button (30) which is mounted in the
housing (10) by a two-point bearing (36, 40), the button (30)
pivoting relative to the housing (10) about at least one point of
the two-point bearing (36, 40), wherein the two-point bearing is
formed by a journal pin (36) rigidly fixed to the housing (10) and
a bearing surface (40) through which the journal pin (36) extends
defined by an opening in the button (30) and, in which the journal
pin (36) has on a side of the journal pin (36) facing a switching
mat (12) a geometry deviating from a circular shape, observed in
cross-section.
13. The switch according to claim 12, wherein the journal pin (36)
has a generally rectangular cross-section.
14. The switch according to claim 12, wherein the journal pin (36)
is associated with the housing (10) and the button (30) is provided
with two bearing surfaces (40) which lie against the journal pin
(36).
15. The switch according to claim 12, wherein the side of the
journal pin (36) that engages the bearing surface (40) to form the
two-point bearing (36, 40) faces the switching mat (12).
16. A switch comprising: a housing (10), a switching rocker (20)
which is mounted in the housing (10) and is associated with
electrical contacts (14), and a button (30) which is mounted in the
housing (10), the button (30) being acted upon elastically so that
the button (30) is mounted free from play in the housing (10), the
button (30) being mounted in the housing (10) by a two-point
bearing (36, 40) formed by a journal pin (36) and a bearing surface
(40), in which the journal pin (36) has on a side of the journal
pin (36) facing the switching mat (12) a geometry deviating from a
circular shape, observed in cross-section, the journal pin (36)
being associated with the housing (10) and the button (30) being
provided with two bearing surfaces (40) which lie against the
journal pin (36), wherein the two bearing surfaces (40) are
arranged in a V-shape and receive the journal pin (36) between
them.
17. A switch comprising: a housing (10), a switching rocker (20)
which is mounted in the housing (10) and is associated with
electrical contacts (14), and a button (30) which is mounted in the
housing (10), the button (30) being acted upon elastically so that
the button (30) is mounted free from play in the housing (10),
wherein an abutment (26, 32, 34) which is free of play is formed
between the switching rocker (20) and the button (30), the
switching rocker (20) being provided with an abutment pin (26) and
the button (30) being provided with an abutment fork (32), the
abutment fork (32) having two abutment surfaces (34) arranged in a
V-shape, which receive the abutment pin (26) between them.
18. A switch comprising: a housing (10), a switching rocker (20)
which is mounted in the housing (10) and is associated with
electrical contacts (14), and a button (30) which is mounted in the
housing (10) by a two-point bearing (36, 40), wherein a first
bearing point (36 or 40) and a second bearing point (36 or 40) of
the two-point bearing (36, 40) have pivot axes that are spaced from
one another, the button (30) pivoting relative to the housing (10)
about at least one point of the two-point bearing (36, 40), wherein
the two-point bearing is formed by a journal pin (36) and a bearing
surface (40), in which the journal pin (36) has on a side of the
journal pin (36) facing a switching mat (12) a geometry deviating
from a circular shape, observed in cross-section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a switch, particularly a window lifter
switch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A known switch has a housing, a switching rocker which is mounted
in the housing and is associated with electrical contacts, and a
button which is likewise mounted in the housing.
By actuating the button, the switching rocker is moved which, in
turn, then actuates one of the electrical contacts. The actuation
of the button can usually take place in two directions, for example
pushing and pulling, whereby different contacts are connected. Each
of the contacts can generally be switched in two stages, for
example in a first stage with a light actuating force and in a
second stage with a greater actuating force or a greater stroke of
the button. In this way, for example, a window lifter motor can be
actuated in the desired direction, i.e. opening or closing of the
window pane, and in the desired type of operation, in order for
example to be actuated manually, as long as the corresponding
button is held or complete opening or closing of the window pane,
even after the button as been released.
A problem in such switches is that the button basically tends to
rattle. In particular owing to the unavoidable vibrations in a
motor vehicle, an undesired noise is then generated in the interior
of the vehicle.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to further develop a switch of the
type initially mentioned to the effect that rattling noises are
avoided.
To achieve this object, in a switch, particularly a window lifter
switch, with a housing, a switching rocker which is mounted in the
housing and is associated with electrical contacts, and with a
button which is likewise mounted in the housing, the button is
acted upon elastically so that it is mounted free from play in the
housing. In this way, the undesired vibrations are reliably
prevented.
A switching mat is preferably provided, which is provided with the
electrical contacts and with which the switching rocker cooperates,
the switching mat acting upon the rocker elastically against the
button. In this embodiment, no additional structural element is
necessary in order to act upon the button elastically so that it is
free of play. Owing to its characteristics, the switching mat is
readily able to permanently provide the necessary elastic
pre-stressing.
"Free of play" is understood here to mean a state in which the
button has no play relative to the housing in the case of the
vibrations which usually occur. It stands to reason that when
greater stresses occur, the button can definitely have a play in
the housing, for example when it is moved by a user in opposition
to the elastic application force.
The rocker is preferably mounted in the housing so that it is
displaceable towards the button. In this way, it can transfer the
elastic application force provided from the switching mat directly
onto the button.
According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, provision
is made that the button is mounted in the housing by means of a
two-point bearing. "Two-point bearing" is understood here to mean a
bearing which has two bearing points or bearing surfaces which are
separated from each other spatially, in which with a relative
movement between the button and the housing in one direction, a
movement takes place about the one bearing point or the one bearing
surface, whereas with a relative movement in the opposite
direction, a movement takes place about the other bearing point or
the other bearing surface. Unlike a conventional swivel bearing, in
which the relative movement between two components always takes
place about the same swivel axis, in a two-point bearing there are
two different movement axes depending on the direction of movement.
This can be seen in the example of a cube which stands on a flat
base. If the cube is to be tilted in one direction, it tilts over
the corresponding outer edge of its underside, which touches the
base. With a movement in the opposite direction, the cube tilts
about the opposite outer edge of the underside, i.e. about a
spatially distanced axis. The use of a two-point axis offers the
critical advantage that it automatically forms a precise defined
middle position into which the button is acted upon. In a
comparable manner to the cube which has been discussed, which due
to its weight experiences a force bringing it into a position in
which it rests with its entire underside on the base, the elastic
pre-stressing acting upon the button to bring it into a position in
which the two bearing points or bearing surfaces are uniformly
stressed. This is particularly advantageous when two switches are
arranged adjacent to each other or the switch is constructed as a
double switch. A slight malposition of the button in the neutral
position would in this case already be negatively noticed. The
neutral position precisely defined by the two-point bearing ensures
that the buttons assume exactly the same position in the unactuated
position.
A further advantage which is connected with the use of the
two-point bearing consists in that comparatively high elastic
pre-stressing forces can be applied by the switching mat, without
the risk occurring that the button is deflected in an undesired
manner out from its neutral position. Owing to unavoidable
manufacturing tolerances, the risk occurs in every switch that the
elastic pre-stressing force applied by the switching mat does not
act exactly on a line which runs through the mid-point of the
connection between the switching rocker and the button on the one
hand and the bearing between button and housing on the other hand.
If a conventional journal bearing were used for the bearing of the
button in the housing, a slight deviation of the direction of
action of the elastic pre-stressing force from the ideal path would
generate a torque which attempts to deflect the button out from its
neutral position. This torque is determined by the lever arm, i.e.
the shorter distance between the direction of action of the elastic
pre-stressing force and the mid-point of the journal bearing,
multiplied by the pre-stressing force. However, the two-point
bearing has two bearing points or bearing surfaces which lie at a
distance from each other on one side or the other of the middle
line and theoretical line of action of the elastic pre-stressing
force. As long as the actual direction of action of the elastic
pre-stressing force runs anywhere between the two bearing points or
bearing surfaces, no torque is produced which attempts to move the
button out from its neutral position. The two-point bearing in fact
ensures that the button remains in a stable manner in its neutral
position.
Such a two-point bearing can preferably be formed by a journal pin
and a bearing surface, in which the journal pin has on its side
facing the switching mat a geometry which deviates from the
circular shape, when viewed in cross-section, and in particular has
a generally rectangular cross-section. This ensures that the two
edges lying on the one and the other side of the middle line act as
swivel axes of the two-point bearing. Preferably bearing surfaces
which are arranged in a V-shape and receive the journal pin between
them cooperate with the two edges of the journal pin.
To improve the centering of the switching rocker relative to the
button, a play-free abutment is preferably formed between the
switching rocker and the button. This can be realized by an
abutment pin which engages into an abutment fork which is provided
with two abutment surfaces arranged in a V-shape.
Advantageous embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the
sub-claims.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic section through a switch according to
the invention;
FIG. 2 shows a view corresponding to that of FIG. 1, in which the
acting forces are illustrated in the theoretical neutral position
of the switch;
FIG. 3 shows a view corresponding to that of FIG. 1, in which the
acting forces are illustrated in a neutral position of the switch
occurring in practice; and
FIG. 4 shows the mounting of the button on an enlarged scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In FIG. 1 a cross-section through a switch is shown, which can be
used in particular as a two-stage pull/push window lifter switch.
It has a housing 10 in which a switching mat 12, a switching rocker
20 and a pull/push button 30 are arranged.
The switching mat 12 is associated with a metal plate 14 which can
be pressed downwards by an actuating striker 16. The actuating
striker 16 is arranged in the ratio 1/3 to 2/3 eccentrically on the
metal plate, so that two contacts can be actuated in two stages.
The contacts are arranged one behind the other with respect to FIG.
1, i.e. the second covered by the first behind the plane of the
drawing, and respectively formed by conductor paths 17 on a
conductor path and a contact pill 19 on the switching mat. Owing to
the eccentric arrangement of the actuating striker 16, the contact
to which the actuating striker is more closely arranged will switch
first.
The switching rocker 20 has an oblong hole 22 into which a bearing
pin 24 engages which is mounted on the housing 10 or part of the
housing. The switching rocker has, in addition, an abutment pin 26
which has a circular cross-section and cooperates with the button
30.
For this purpose, the button 30 is provided with an abutment fork
which has two abutment surfaces 34 which are aligned in a V-shape
(see also FIG. 4), between which the abutment pin 26 is
arranged.
The button 30 is mounted in the housing 10 by a journal pin 36
which is mounted on the housing or part of the housing. The button
30 has an opening 38 into which the journal pin 36 engages. On its
side facing the switching mat 12, the opening 38 is provided with
two bearing surfaces 40 (see also FIG. 4), which face each other
obliquely, so that a concave region is formed. The journal pin 36
has a generally rectangular form, viewed in cross-section, with two
corners which face the switching mat 12. The upper flattening is
constituted as a chamfer in section. The lateral flattenings are
provided in order to prevent any possible injection burrs from
leading to the journal pin jamming. The mould separation plane of
the injection mould in fact extends through the journal pin. The
flattenings ensure that any injection burrs which may be present
can not jam on the opposite surface of the button.
Through the cross-sectional shape of the journal pin 36, a
two-point bearing is provided between the button 30 and the housing
10, because the button 30 rests on the journal pin 36 in two points
P (see FIG. 4) or, viewed three-dimensionally, along two bearing
edges which run through the points P of FIG. 4 and extend
perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing. These two bearing
edges are arranged at a distance A from each other on the one and
the other side of a middle line M which extends through the
mid-point of the two-point bearing, formed by journal pin 36 and
opening 38, and the abutment, formed by abutment pin 26 and
abutment surfaces 34.
When the button 30 is actuated, it swivels in accordance with the
actuating direction about the journal pin 36. The abutment fork 32
is thereby swiveled, whereby the abutment pin 26 is entrained. This
leads to a tilting movement of the switching rocker 20 about the
bearing pin 24, so that the switching rocker presses onto one or
other contact of the switching mat 12.
An essential feature of the switch is that the button 30 is acted
upon by an elastic pre-stressing force, so that it is free of play.
This pre-stressing force is produced through the switching mat 12
which, in the initial state, is held in a compressed state in the
vertical direction in relation to FIG. 1. The switching mat
therefore exerts via its metal plates an upwardly directed force
onto the switching rocker 20 (see arrows 1 in FIG. 2), whereby the
switching rocker 20 is pressed upwards. This is possible because
the switching rocker is mounted on the housing 10 by means of the
oblong hole 22 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction.
The upward movement of the switching rocker leads to the abutment
pin 26 being pressed into the abutment fork 32 of the button 30 and
against the abutment surfaces 34. Finally, an upwardly directed
force is thereby generated, which presses the button 30 in the
direction of arrow 2 of FIG. 2 against the journal pin 36. The
corresponding, oppositely directed bearing force (see arrows 3 of
FIG. 2) is transferred from the bearing surfaces 40. The button 30
is thereby held free from play in the housing 10, because its
bearing surface 40 is pressed against the journal bearing 36 by the
elastic pre-stressing force provided by the switching mat 12.
The theoretical path of force is shown in FIG. 2. The direction of
action of the arrow 2 coincides here with the middle line M between
the abutment between switching rocker and button on the one hand
and the bearing between housing and button on the other hand. As
long as the line of action runs through the middle axis in
particular of the bearing 36/40, it is clear that the pre-stressing
force can not exert any torque onto the button 30. In practice,
however, owing to manufacturing tolerances it can not be guaranteed
that the direction of action of the pre-stressing force runs
exactly through the mid-point of the bearing 36/40. In FIG. 3, the
direction of action of the pre-stressing force is drawn as arrow
2', as it would be aligned in the case of very great tolerances.
The line of action of the pre-stressing force runs here exactly
through the contact point P between the left outer edge of the
journal pin 36 and the bearing surface 40. This means that the
button 30 is still reliably supported by the journal pin 36 without
a torque acting on the button 30. As long as the direction of
action of the elastic pre-stressing force lies "inside" the two
contact points P (see the arrows 2'' and 2''' in FIG. 4) or, as in
the extreme case shown in FIG. 3, runs precisely through one of the
contact points P, the two-point bearing can receive the elastic
pre-stressing force without a torque acting on the button 30. The
result of this is that the button is always acted upon by the
elastic pre-stressing force into the same neutral position even in
the case of possible position tolerances of the parts with respect
to each other.
* * * * *